FRANTIC JOY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 July 1943, Page 3

FRANTIC JOY

EXHIBITED BY PEOPLE OF PALERMO 4 AMERICANS GREETED DELIRIOUSLY.’ IN BOMB-WRECKED CITY. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, July 24. Palermo when captured was not a pleasant sight, stated the “Daily Express” correspondent with the American Seventh Army. Nearly every building was badly battered and showing gaping wounds. The damage in the harbour area, where huge piles of rubble- cluttered the streets, showed the accuracy and force of our bombardment. Palermo Cathedral and Opera House were both untouched. The Americans ordered the civilian population to remain indoors till military control was-'established. The ban was lifted within a few hours, when the people streamed out to welcome the conquerors. American troops entered Palermo at 8 p.m. on Thursday, amid scenes of delirious enthusiasm, says a British Press correspondent. “Lieutenant-General Patton, commander of the American land forces, won a bet on the capture by 28 hours,” he said. “The blitz march of the American armoured column was based on marvellous handling of supplies. One hundred thousand gallons of petrol were got ashore at the tiny port of Sciacca, which had just been captured. That enabled the tanks to travel so fast and far. “Palermo welcomed with delirious enthusiasm the army that had bombed and conquered it. Palermo is the biggest enemy city the Allie’s have yet captured and in one brief hour its people shed 20 years of Fascist propaganda and welcomed the Americans like beloved heroes. It. started at Monreale, six miles out, when the great armoured column twisted down the mountain road into a long narrow street. STREET PANDEMONIUM.

“There was pandemonium waiting to meet us. The streets were so crowded carabinaire could scarcely clear a path for tanks. The balconies were thronged. Most of the women had put on their best clothes. All seemed completely hysterical. (They screamed, clapped, and waved flags, shouting; 'Viva America! Viva Inghilterra!” They ran alongside to shake hands. At the least encouragement, they kissed. Flowers, almonds, apples, greengages and lemons were tossed in showers into the jeeps and trucks. Tiny babies were held up to see the great sight and if possible to touch the American soldiers. “Every time the column halted, every vehicle was inundated beneath a surging wave of people With wild signs and grimaces, they tried to give expression to what they felt. Many were people evacuated from dockside areas of Palermo. We bombed them out, and now they are welcoming us with frantic joy. “From where we entered Palermo there is one broad straight boulevard leading to the heart of the city. There, General Molinero was waiting to receive the American corps commander and surrender Palermo. As soon as possible, the impatiently waiting crowds seized on us as targets for their enthusiasm. Our hands were wrung till they were sore. Men and women kissed us. When our hands were full, they forced wine down our throats. They slapped our backs and shouted phrases in English expressing their welcome. Even Italian soldiers, drifting along to be captured, joined in the cheering. This was the reception I hoped we would get in Athens, Oslo, and Warsaw. I wished II Duce were with us to .see it. Even when it is getting dark, the people are still waiting, offering wine and throwing fruits and flowers.”